#Japan #Osaka Expo #Eureka #Hokkaido #Kobayashi Brewery

Bridging Tradition with Innovation in Sake Brewing

EUREKA Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chuo, Tokyo, is proud to announce the operational launch of Japan’s inaugural "Expo Legacy" renewable energy system at Kobayashi Sake Brewery. Established over 140 years ago, Kobayashi is the oldest sake brewery in Hokkaido, which has completed the construction of its new sake brewing facility after 105 years. This state-of-the-art brewery incorporates a mid-sized storage battery system, relocated and reused from the Osaka Expo Pavilion, enabling a sustainable transition for Japan’s traditional sake-making industry.

The system, with a capacity of approximately 200kWh, is currently in its final phase, gearing up for full operation by April 2026. EUREKA is committed to continuously monitoring and optimizing this energy system until the end of March this year, ensuring that the transition to cutting-edge energy solutions is not only effective but also secure for Hokkaido’s time-honored practices.

Project Background: Transforming Expo Excitement into Sustainable Future

The essence of this project lays in the repurposing of a battery system that served as a symbol of sustainability during the Osaka Expo. By relocating this state-of-the-art equipment back to Japan, it injects new life into traditional industries, demonstrating the powerful potential of “local legacy inheritance” and the “circular economy.” Rather than being just an installation of equipment, this initiative embodies a pioneering model for sustainable industrial practices.

Key Features of the Introduced System

1. Internationally Certified Sustainability for Local Industries
The high-performance storage battery that passes stringent decarbonization standards was reused from the global showcase at the expo. This not only minimizes environmental impact through energy recycling but also promotes a sustainable shift in energy practices within local economies.

2. Combating Seasonal Challenges with Innovative Solar Solutions
The inherent challenges of heavy snowfall in Hokkaido have been addressed by utilizing Kaname Solar Roof systems, in collaboration with Miraiconnect Co., Ltd. This design integrates seamlessly with the brewery’s aesthetics, ensuring smooth snow removal while maximizing precious sunlight conversion into energy.

3. Energy Self-Sufficiency with Solar and Storage Integration
- Solar panel output: 55kW
- Battery maximum output: 100kW
- Storage capacity: approximately 200kWh
The system efficiently stores electricity generated during the day, subsequently cutting down power costs associated with sake production while adding “carbon neutrality” as a new value to traditional brewing.

4. Enhancing BCP and Disaster Resilience
Having experienced extensive power outages in Hokkaido, this system serves as a reliable backup power source, particularly prioritizing electricity supply to sensitive areas requiring tight temperature control, such as the koji room. This ensures a robust Business Continuity Plan (BCP).

Vision for the Future: Designing Solutions for Snowy Challenges

Representative Messages

Kiyosaburo Kobayashi, President of Kobayashi Sake Brewery:
"As the oldest sake brewery in Hokkaido, we've always valued coexistence with nature. The ability to inherit the battery system from the Osaka Expo has had a profound impact on us. The passion for sustainability shown by Middle Eastern nations is something we are committed to conveying through our sake production. We are proud to announce a new era of sake-making that merges traditional craftsmanship with modern clean energy technologies through this inheritance of the 'Expo legacy.'"

Yoshiharu Kobayashi, Senior Managing Director of Kobayashi Sake Brewery:
"The completion of our new brewery, 'Hachi Ban Gura', isn't merely an upgrade but a symbol of merging tradition and innovation for the next hundred years. Protecting our heritage while adapting to environmental changes is essential. The decision to carry the legacy from the expo stands as a meaningful commitment to linking the past with the future. We hope to deliver our first batch of sake produced from renewable energy by around April 2026 from our newly revitalized brewery, weaving a sustainable history here in Kuriyama."

John Herald Chong, CEO of EUREKA Co., Ltd.:
"This project transcends mere equipment relocation. The pavilion from the Osaka Expo aimed for peak sustainability, showcasing a noble ambition to transfer limited resources to future generations. Kobayashi Sake Brewery, with over 140 years of historical craftsmanship, embodies the ideal partner for this initiative. The passionate commitments from the international community will become a new driving force for Hokkaido's traditional industries, illustrating the beautiful cycle we envision for a truly sustainable society.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders involved in this project, supported by Kobayashi Sake Brewery."

Looking Ahead

EUREKA aims to establish a model of "circular solutions" that leverage state-of-the-art equipment used in international events for local industries and disaster response centers. Our commitment to sustainable energy supply models will continue to accelerate Japan's next-generation energy shift across municipalities and businesses.